A race that does not always live up to its Group 2 billing, coming quite late in the season and with single-figure fields since 2015, but it stands scrutiny this year, the first 3 all running to a smart level. An initially decent pace steadied mid-race, with the result that the 6 runners were quite well bunched approaching the straight, the race final 2f of 24.69s (106.0% finishing speed) showing it required speed as well as stamina on ground that was predominantly “good to soft”. This year’s Doncaster Cup was run in memory of Howard Wright, a fine journalist (including at Timeform and Racing Post) and a regular at this course since an early age, who sadly died recently.
SWEET WILLIAM (113+ here and previously) has his quirks, to say the least, but there is nothing wrong with his consistency, and he has yet to finish out of the first 3 in 14 starts, this effort as good as any he has put up. He was slowly away and rousted along, went in snatches but kept in touch then really took off after the 3f marker, quickening on by a few lengths despite hanging left, then pulling himself up near the line.
TRUESHAN (112 here, 109 previously) is not quite as good as he was but showed he’s still capable of smart form, leading after 3f and settling fine in front, headed over 2f out but coming back for more at the death.
POINT LONSDALE (111 here, 115 previously) ran as if staying this trip, for all that he was not quite at his best, pushed long from before halfway but working himself back into contention and staying onto the line.
COLTRANE (109 here and previously) has lost a bit of his zip of late but ran creditably, always around the same place.
GREGORY (108 here, 112 previously) was not discredited but again seemed not to get home at a trip beyond 2m, leading briefly then close up until fading from 2f out.
WISE EAGLE (86 here, 105 previously)
